Posts made in May, 2013

The Oak City 7 Free Concert Series is back! The first show of the season was yesterday on Thursday May 30th in Downtown Raleigh’s City Plaza (500 Fayetteville St). The concerts continue every other Thursday through the summer. Admission is free to the public and the events take place from 5pm to 10pm every other Thursday, beginning the Thursday after Memorial Day, and ending the Thursday before Labor Day. There will be seven shows total. OC7 features notable local and regional bands along with food trucks and local and craft beers. The genres will include Americana, Indie Rock, Folk Rock, and Bluegrass. OC7 does not utilize any taxpayer money and is 100% sponsor driven. The series will drive substantial revenue into the local economy encouraging attendees to visit local shops, bars, and restaurants before and after each event. Showcasing amazing local products, services, and artists is the foundation for Oak City 7, all the while providing the public with a comfortable and enjoyable free concert setting.

MAY 29, 2013, RALEIGH: Folks in downtown Raleigh today may be surprised to find Sir Walter Raleigh out and about in full costume between 11:00am and 1:00pm. His specific locations will be disclosed through his twitter handle @TheSirWalterRal. Sir Walter is paying a visit to downtown retailers and restaurant owners to thank them for their contribution to downtown living. In doing so, Sir Walter hopes to generate buzz about the City of Raleigh Museum’s upcoming annual fundraiser and 20th Anniversary celebration.

“I love life. And I love my job. So my job never feels like work!” –Mike Phillips

Owner of Men At Work Car Care Center Mike Phillips’s start-up story, like most, is full of ups and downs. He was born in Philadelphia but moved here in 1979 to attend St. Augustine’s University here in Raleigh. He first learned how to detail cars with a Ford dealership after college. He took the knowledge he gained from this first job, and felt confident that he could enter the detailing business on his own.

“Learn something. Wherever you go. Whatever you do. And take it with you.”

Mike and some of the guys flexing their muscles outside of the shop

That’s exactly what he did. He opened Men At Work Car Care Center in November of 1988. Business was good – which comes as no surprise to me. While sitting with Mike for our interview I witnessed worn down folks walk in and instantly light up when they hear Mike’s booming voice. I saw him encourage his team of men detailing the cars – reminding them frequently that, “We’re big on ‘Thank Yous’ around here!” And most importantly, I saw filthy cars transform to factory fresh in less than 30 minutes.

Throughout his journey, however, Mike struggled with drug use and dealing. It took a combination of bad economic times, seeing his family hurt because of his choices, and being arrested to realize that something had to change.

“Some people get no grace. They lose it all before they get it together. For me, it didn’t take that.”

Mike finally was able to close that chapter of his book. As a result of the legal trouble he got in, he gained a unique perspective on employment after serving time.

“No one wants to give you an opportunity. The first thing they ask you is if you have ever committed a crime.”

Because of this hardship that former criminals face, Mike makes it a priority to hire men who have recently served time in an effort to help them rebuild their resumes and lives. Currently 95% of his staff have been convicted of a crime and paid their debt to society through prison time.

When I asked Mike what he would want a potential new customer to know about Men At Work, he had this to say:

I have been to car care centers all over eastern North Carolina – mainly because I am too preoccupied (lazy) to clean my own car. I can tell you after several washes from Mike and his guys at Men At Work, I will never go anywhere else. They truly do a phenomenal job.

Raleigh, give yourself a weekend off of car-washing duty. A standard wash is around $20.00 depending on the size of your vehicle (plus tip). You will leave with a satisfactory detail job, a smile on your face, and a team of really awesome men yelling, “THANK YOU!” as you drive away.

After its first successful year of operation, Raleigh City Farm recently received the 2013 City of Raleigh Urban Stewardship Award. Environmental awards are given annually to recognize environmental leadership in organizations and individuals in Raleigh. Farmer Lisa Sluder, General Manager Ryan Finch and volunteer Lisa Finaldi accepted the award on behalf of Raleigh City Farm (RCF) volunteers and its board of directors.

Nominees were judged on Effectiveness, Innovation, Environmental Stewardship, Leadership and Sustainability. Raleigh City Farm has proven its abilities in these areas. Since inception, RCF has:

Harvested over 2500 pounds of food, a portion of which is donated to Raleigh Rescue Mission and Inter-Faith Food Shuttle through Logan’s Plant-a-Row for the Hungry

Engaged over 300 elementary, high school and university students with urban farming

Operated a successful produce stand at the farm during summer Saturdays

Sold produce to four restaurants in Raleigh, some delivered by bicycle by Oak City Cycles

Won Green America’s first National Green Business national “People and Planet” Award

“We have a lot to celebrate,” said Ryan Finch, General Manager of Raleigh City Farm. “Over the past year we have transformed a vacant lot into a productive space, where people of all ages and backgrounds come together to connect with healthy food. This award is icing on our first year in business birthday cake,” she added.

The 2013 award winners were honored at the Nature Research Center of the Museum of Natural Sciences. City Council Member Randy Stagner welcomed the crowd and WRAL-TV Chief Meteorologist Greg Fishel presented the awards.

About Raleigh City Farm

Raleigh City Farm is transforming an unexpected downtown space into beautiful and nourishing farmland. The innovative urban farm, located on a highly-visible one-acre lot on the corner of Franklin and N. Blount Streets just blocks from the city center, provides access to local produce and engages city dwellers and visitors in the process of growing food in a hyper-local environment. The farm serves as an educational tool to demonstrate responsible, intensive growing techniques with a focus on building a restorative, community-based food system.

RALEIGH, NC—After an almost four year hiatus, 1304 Bikes, Raleigh’s bicycle collective, is pleased to announce the launch of a crowdsourcing fundraiser to support opening in a brand new location. From now until May 31, 2013, individuals, community partners, and businesses can donate online via IndieGoGo: igg.me/at/1304bikes. Donations will help 1304 Bikes reopen and resume providing facilities and instruction for local residents to obtain, repair, and maintain their bicycles at no cost.

“We are really excited to get back to helping Raleigh become even more of a bicycle-friendly city,” said Lynne Walter, coordinator. “As 1304 Bikes was built by community members, we’re calling on everyone in our community to donate what they can to ensure that Raleigh has this kind of valuable program.”

From 2004-2009, 1304 Bikes provided a free space (including free access to tools and parts) for community members to repair their bicycles, learn about bicycle maintenance, and participate in various programs. For example, in 1304 Bikes’ last full year of operation, 2008, one of its most popular programs, the “Earn-a-Bike” program, provided bikes at no cost to over 200 adults and children.

After multiple attempts to secure donated space, 1304 Bikes decided to rent a space at Ruby Red in downtown Raleigh and has “found a really viable space in a great location, and this fundraising campaign will allow us to reopen and restart our popular programs,” shared Rob E. Loomis, coordinator.

For more information about the 1304 Bikes “Gear Up!” fundraiser and to donate, please see igg.me/at/1304bikes.